Wilson said he would use the money for television and radio ads to get out his message that Emanuel has been bad for Chicago and needs to be replaced by someone like Wilson who will keep neighborhood schools open, abolish red-light cameras and get more police out of their cars and on foot patrol in the neighborhoods.

Wilson's nominating petitions initially had been challenged by the Emanuel campaign, but the challenge later was withdrawn. That's set off intense speculation as to why Emanuel backed off, with some saying Wilson could help Emanuel by pulling votes from better known rivals Bob Fioretti and Jesus "Chuy" Garcia. Others say Wilson's petitions are valid and contend that keeping him on the ballot boosts the odds that Emanuel will be forced into an April runoff election.

We'll see if Wilson actually spends the money. Even if he does, Emanuel has lots more. But if nothing else, today's move potentially throws a wild card into a mayoral contest that had been pretty ho-hum.

Update, 3:05 p.m. — At a press conference, Emanuel made a few comments about Wilson, but did little to dispel all the conspiracy theories floating around about who's doing what and why.

The mayor said his campaign dropped its challenge to Wilson's nominating petitions because they “met the threshold” of having sufficient valid signatures—despite strong suggestions earlier to the contrary from Emanuel political aides.

Now, Wilson “will have to meet the threshold” of laying out his ideas and experience that other candidates already have met, Emanuel said.

So says Emanuel…for what it's worth.

The press conference was called to present the city's preparations for the upcoming bout of severe weather.